My PMC Fundraising appeal

Here's my story... To donate online visit

http://www.pmc.org/profile/TS0227

WHY I RIDE ...

I have, as many have, lost loved ones to cancer or been close to those whose lives are deeply affected by cancer. My first encounters with cancer were when first my grandfather and then my grandmother died each from multiple cancers. Each experienced rapid declines and little treatment options. My grandfather died before I reached grade school and my grandmother died shortly after I graduated college. That was well over twenty years ago. The advances in cancer research have been amazing in part because of efforts like the PMC to supply them with substantial funding. Had the doctors then had half the tools they have now to treat, and at times cure cancer, my grandparents would have lived to know me and I would have gotten to know them an awful lot better.

Now I am fortunate to have a great life with lots of gifts including an incredible family, a comfortable home, a fulfilling job, my health and the time and energy to enjoy them all. I know for many, including some of my friends that are living and fighting with cancer, that each day is a gift. I feel to respect them I should appreciate all that I have and use it to help beat cancer.

This is first stab at "My Story". In short, this is a great cause and a great event, I love riding my bike and I love a challenge. While riding 192 miles with 5000 other bikers is certainly a challenge, my biggest challenge is to overcome my fear of asking people for help. Definitely not something I am good at. A good friend has suggested that give it a try, so here I am. Please help me raise money.

I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

Thats it for now. And Thanks for taking the time to read this. Come train with me. If you know someone affected by cancer, who I should ride "for" send me an email and I'll add their name to my story. I'll ride for them, and I'll ride for you.

For Buck Settles, For Elvie Settles, For Sheila, For Frank, For Jay, For David and others

Spring Training (not exactly day 1)

Thought maybe i would keep a log of my training for folks to follow if they wanted to make sure I would actually get all the way to Provincetown and complete the Pan Massachusetts Challenge. It won't be alot of verbage unless I feel the need to rant.

I have actually been very surprised by the support that people have expressed all ready. $4200 is alot of money (in my book).

I guess it might not be a bad idea to put the story that i have in my pmd profile here just for the heck of it. i'll do that separately.

Here in the end of April, I am actually cross training for a half marathon and beginning my initial training for the PMC Sturbridge to Provincetown Route (192 miles over 2 days.) So today with cool temps, i hope to put 12 miles on my running shoes.

Stay tuned it will be an exciting summer.